Two brothers have been charged with affray and intentionally causing injury following an incident at a Woolworths supermarket in Kyabram, Victoria, on Sunday, July 20. Police were called to the store on Union Street around 7 p.m. after reports of a violent altercation.
A local resident described the incident as the culmination of months of "relentless harassment" directed at a young mother and her children. According to the resident, an individual "cornered the young mother and her terrified young children while they were just trying to shop."
Footage of the event shows a 44-year-old man appearing to strike at someone near the checkout. A child is visible climbing over the checkout to exit the area, while another is carried away. The resident stated that one of the brothers stepped in to shield the mother and children, with his brother present to ensure bystanders remained safe.
Sources indicate the alleged aggressor, the same 44-year-old man, had been arrested and charged 10 days prior for an alleged assault on a shop attendant and a police officer, and was released on bail. The two brothers, aged 41 and 45, have been charged and are expected to appear at Echuca Magistrates' Court at a later date. They were bailed.
A statement from Woolworths confirmed the store takes violent incidents seriously and is cooperating with police. "Our primary focus remains the safety and wellbeing of our customers, team and community, and we have offered support to those affected," a spokesperson said. The company also reiterated calls for the swift passage of Workplace Protection Order legislation to enhance safety for employees.
Police reported that one man sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident but declined medical treatment and did not provide a statement. It is alleged that the parties involved were known to each other. The GoFundMe campaign initiated by the resident aims to support the brothers' legal defense.